The federal government has urged aviation unions to postpone their planned strike over the withdrawal of 50% of aviation agencies’ internal revenue.
In an August 14 memo, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees (AUPCTRE) threatened to strike.
They had threatened to suspend work on August 21 in protest at the Federal Government’s withdrawal of 50% of aviation agencies’ internally generated revenues (IGR).
However, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has urged them to call off the scheduled strike.
Keyamo assured workers’ unions and other stakeholders in the sector that President Bola Tinubu is “very concerned about the improvement of the Aviation sector and will give their demands due consideration to find a lasting solution that balances both the fiscal needs of the government and the operational requirements of the Aviation Agencies” in a statement he signed on Friday.
“We ask to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the government works tirelessly to reach an amicable resolution. The Ministry appreciates their patience and understanding, and we remain dedicated to creating a favourable work environment for everybody,” Keyamo stated.
READ THE PRESS STATEMENT BELOW.
On Friday, August 16th, 2024, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development issued a press statement regarding the call to action by aviation unions to deduct 50% of internal revenue from aviation agencies.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development is aware of the call to action by aviation workers’ unions to protest the Federal Government’s withdrawal of 50% of all internally produced revenue from Aviation Agencies at the source. The workers’ concerns, particularly the harmful impact these deductions have on investment, crucial infrastructure maintenance, and overall agency operations, have been carefully noted.
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Our aviation personnel performs a critical role in assuring the industry’s safety, efficiency, and smooth operation. The Ministry is committed to tackling these difficulties in a way that ensures the sector’s long-term profitability and sustainability while maintaining the highest service delivery standards.
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The Honourable Minister assures workers’ unions and stakeholders that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to improving the aviation sector and will consider their demands. The goal is to find a long-term solution that balances the government’s fiscal needs with the operational needs of aviation agencies.
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We urge workers to maintain calm and industrial harmony as the government works to resolve the issue peacefully. The Ministry appreciates their patience and understanding, and it is committed to providing a positive work environment for all.
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We appreciate the workers’ understanding and continuous dedication to the aviation business.
Thank you!
Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK).
Honourable Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Federal Republic of Nigeria